Calculating the effective potential of a conformal scalar-tensor theory

Abstract

This thesis investigates a certain Weyl symmetric scalar-tensor model. Previously it’s been shown that spontaneous breaking of Weyl symmetry offers an elegant mechanism for inflation. The thesis attempts to extend the classical analysis of its source paper by calculating quantum corrections to the inflaton potential. A flat-space analogue of this potential is successfully determined to one loop order. Future directions in quantization of conformal models are discussed.